[RTTO]

  I'm going to try that bass boost mod. I recently tried the Q701s with just the ASUS Xonar Essence STX and the performance was disappointing. I set the amp option to High Gain, EQ disabled w/ Hi-Fi Mode ON, and my listening volume was at 40 in the Windows Volume Mixer. The highs were ear piercing and there was literally no bass at all. My previous setup was an ASUS Xonar DX + AKG k271 MK2 and that setup sounded so much better and way more fulfilling.

My budget is around +/- $200 and I was looking into getting a DAC Destroyer + Little Dot 1+. Do you guys have any other setups that you think would be better for around the same price? I read some mixed opinions on the E17 + E09k. How would the FiiO setup compare to the DD + Little Dot 1+?

Edit: I just discovered the Schiit Modi + Magni set for 200. Does anyone have any insight on these setups and which is best suited for the Q701s? Thank you

 
 
I just received Aune T1 w/6922EH last week. And I use E17 before as DAC/Amp with my Q701
 
Aune T1 absolutely improve on every aspect over E17 in terms of sound quality.
 
ie Detail, low end authority, sound separation, sound stage (depth), sound seemed fuller across the spectrum.
 
E17 still hold its own on features:
portable, optical in, built-in EQ
 
The price difference is about $20 more for the Aune T1
 
For now, Aune T1 will be for home and E17 will be for travelling.

 

[jasonb]

Opeth's "Ghost Reveries" has never sounded so good!

 

[Ashade]

Glad that "the word" is spreading and there is an overall positive consensus about the mod. 

 

 

[hoekeat]

Just got my Q701 from Amazon. But sadly, it is made in China, not Austria, even Amazon's customer rep gave me confirmation via email their stock is indeed made in Austria. Anyone found any difference between those made in China or Austria?

 

[Ashade]

I read some people claiming that there were some differences... But I cannot confirm you that. You can always return them.

 

[koiloco]

  Just got my Q701 from Amazon. But sadly, it is made in China, not Austria, even Amazon's customer rep gave me confirmation via email their stock is indeed made in Austria. Anyone found any difference between those made in China or Austria?

 
Dad : son, you know that God made everything, right?
Son : yup, you know that God is Chinese, right?
Dad : ???????????
 

 

[AuTra]

Did anyone ever make a video of the Q701 mod that everyone is talking about?

 

[tdockweiler]

  Did anyone ever make a video of the Q701 mod that everyone is talking about?

 
I haven't seen one yet. Even if one did exist it would be a pain in the butt to do it with the camera going.
Someone managed to do it without removing the outer plastic cover. I can't even see the port without removing that piece.
 
Also..make sure the wires are not directly behind the outer grill clip holes when you put everything back together.
 
I don't suggest it without tweezers. A small flat/thin screwdriver helps too.
 
Reversing the mod only requires plastic tape!

 

[pearljam50000]

Can anyone compare the Q701 to Beyerdynamic DT880?

 

[Chris J]

Can anyone compare Q701 to DT880?
Thanks!

They actually sound quite different.
The Q701 is brighter.
The DT880 is a more balanced, neutral 'phone.
The DT880 have fuller bass.
The Qs show more space and ambience.

But I personally prefer the Qs.

 

[jimmers]

There are no negatives with the Q701 mod, none!

Do you have the foam in behind the grilles or nothing at all?
 
I wondered why I hung around on this thread, because I didn't like my Q701 - thought maybe I was becoming a little trollish, perhaps I was hoping to hear about a mod that would help me like them ... and then it happened.
Amazed that they are sold as they are.
I am still using mine without the foam - maybe I'll test alternatives at the weekend.
I find using needle nosed pliers good for removing the sticker, just lever up at the edge with a thin-bladed screwdriver  - just enough to get a grip - then just lift up, easy as.

 

[AuTra]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/607019/akg-q701-simple-mod-increase-bass-and-decrease-soundstage-a-little

This is the mod you guys are referring too correct?

@tdockweiler you seem to be very informed when it comes to the guts of the Q701. Would it be too much to ask for you to make a disassembly/mod guide or take a few pictures?

 

[Ashade]

It's fairly easy. In any case you got a lot of pictures in this thread. Use the gallery mode. If you need an specific picture let me know, I probably have it my camera already.

 

[topgunsphd]

I've been reading posts of new q701 owners receiving theirs made in China. Is this true? How do I know if mine was made in Austria or China?

 

[jasonb]

It should say "made is Austria" on the sides.